Kobe Bryant: 10 Reasons Why He Is Still a Bigger Draw in LA Than Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin has taken the NBA by storm. His ferocious dunks have made the league forget about the No. 1 pick in the draft—Washington Wizards John Wall. With his popularity, Griffin has those in the media and fans all around thinking he is ready to take the crown from the King of L.A. Kobe Bryant.

Both Kobe Bryant and Blake Griffin play in the Staples Center, but that is where the similarities end.

One player is the leader of the most storied franchise in the NBA, with as many rings as he has fingers. The other is an up-and-coming power forward who is looking to lead his team back to respectability.

While Kobe has lost a step or two, he still owns L.A. and no matter how many times Griffin wows the Staple Center crowd, he won't be King of L.A. as long as Kobe is there.

When the Clippers are done with their season, the lights at the Staples Center will still be on, but Blake Griffin won't be playing, his dunks will be a distant memory as Kobe and the Lakers will still be playing for his third NBA Championship.

9. Endorsements

Dominic Barnardt/Getty Images

Before his rape case, Kobe was the face of the NBA.

You couldn't turn on the television without seeing him. His smile was infectious and his endorsements were numerous. It took a while for Kobe to regain the trust of advertisers again after the Colorado incident, but he is back in the game once again. Not only is he a major draw at the Staples Center, but he is also No.1 with Nike as well.

8. Versatility

Kobe had to learn how to adapt his game to his aging body. No longer can he explode from the free-throw line with consistency, but instead, he pulls up for the jumper.

Kobe is a crafty player though and still commands attention from the defense. He has become a better passer.

You are not in awe by his dunks as you are with Blake Griffin, but he has an uncanny way of getting to the basket. Like Michael Jordan when he went through the second phase of his career, Kobe has had to show his versatility.

6. Clutch Player

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

When the game is on the line, the Lakers put the ball in the hands of their best player. He is either going to score or set up his teammates. Last year, Kobe led the league in game-winning shots. He is used to making difficult shots that leave fans shaking their heads, wondering how did he do that?

Need a three-pointer? or someone to put the ball on the floor and draw the foul? Who is better at taking the off-balanced fade a way jumper with defenders all over him?

Kobe is your man. He does things with the basketball that many can only dream of.